Things To Do / Sponsored
33 things to do in Bristol in May 2022
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April 29-May 2: City Nature Challenge, Bristol & Bath
Join the epic, global wildlife count taking place 1st and 2nd May in Bristol and Bath! Record as much wildlife in your local area as possible using the iNaturalist app to help conservation efforts. Every sighting informs plans for tackling the ecological emergency in the region.
www.bnhc.org.uk/city-nature-challenge/
May 1-31: Bristol Walkfest
One of the UKs largest urban celebrations of walking takes place throughout May, with Bristolians taking to the streets and the paths that wind through the many sprawling green spaces that surround the city. And with almost 100 walks listed on their site, you won’t be short of a place to start.
www.bristolwalkfest.com/
May 1: Full Moon & Attic Bar Yard Party, Attic Bar
A day of live music at large Stokes Croft outdoor bar, the Full Moon & Attic Bar Yard Party runs from midday until 2am.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-01&event_id=73621
May 2-June 19: RWA reopening exhibition: Me Myself, I, RWA
Me, Myself, I: Artists’ Self-Portraits is the RWA’s landmark reopening exhibition taking place in May – June. Featuring work by major artists the exhibition provides historical context to today’s selfie culture through an exploration of self-portraiture over 300 years. Taking place in the newly transformed gallery spaces this is a must-see!
www.rwa.org.uk/collections/events/products/me-myself-i-artists-self-portraits
May 3: Soulful Yoga: Soul Flow, Jam Jar
Through the use of breathwork and exploratory movement of the body, this yoga session at central Bristol’s The Jam Jar aims to have you leave feeling “lighter and enlivened”.
www.thejamjarbristol.com/community-events
May 4: Stoner, Thekla
Aptly named band Stoner bring their, well, stoner rock rhythms to top Bristol floating venue this May.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/gigs/stoner/
May 5-8: Bristol New Music 2022, Multiple Venues
A new city-wide festival, celebrating music and sound in all its forms across 4 days. There’s everything from performances from Ugandan hip-hop stars to world premieres of a compilation of conversations between people.
www.bristolnewmusic.org/
May 6: Vookoo – Reuben’s Daughters, Southbank
Bristol collective Vookoo host the fourth installment in their monthly live music series at Southbank, inviting down alt pop singer Reuben’s Daughters for an evening of lighthearted pub garden vibes.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-06&event_id=74100
May 7: trUKG: ZeroFG, Cosies
Iller Instinct continues his UK Garage residency at Cosies with an incredibly exciting set from London based underground UKG titan ZeroFG. And at the intimate Cosies, it’s going to be a rawcus night.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-07&event_id=74023
May 8: Nosferatu Screening w/ Surgeons Girl, Spike Island
The undoubtedly classic German silent horror gets an extra special screening at Spike Island, with a live accompaniment from modular synth artist Surgeons Girl, providing a new perspective to the spooky flick.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/programme/events/nosferatu-screening-with-live-accompaniment/
May 9: The Science of Magic Mushrooms, Hen & Chicken
A talk from Dr Chris Timmerman, a neuroscientist and psychologist from Imperial College London, about the effects of psychedelic drugs on mental health and wellbeing, and how we can harness them.
www.henandchicken.com/event/the-science-of-magic-mushrooms/
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May 9: Cycling 3,500 Miles Around Pandemic Britain, Redgrave Theatre
Simon Parker is an award-winning travel writer and broadcaster, who has reported from well over 100 countries by the age of 34 for the BBC, The Telegraph and Amazon Prime. In this multimedia presentation of short films, photos, audio clips and anecdotes he talks about cycling 3,427 miles around ‘Pandemic Britain’ during 2020 and 2021.
www.redgravetheatre.com/event/2022/05/cycling-3-500-miles-around-pandemic-britain/1222/
May 10-12: The Yellow Wallpaper, Alma Tavern & Theatre
A study on postpartum mental illness, The Yellow Wallpaper aims to tackle this delicate subject in a truly up close and personal fashion.
www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/661892/
May 11: Ennio: The Maestro, The Cube
Bristol’s only microplex hosts a screening of Ennio: The Maestro – a documentary tracing the life and works of Ennio Morricone, arguably one of the most influential 20th century TV & film composers.
www.cubecinema.com/programme/event/ennio-the-maestro,12367/
May 12: What The Funny?!, The Sundial Kitchen
The monthly comedy night at The Sundial Kitchen aims to tickle you on a Thursday, hosted by Bath New Act Competition finalist, Jasmine Morton.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-12&event_id=74139
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Opens May 13: Everything Everywhere All At Once
At last, the movie everyone is talking about arrives on our screens! Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert (collectively known as the Daniels), this emotional, mind-bending stunner is a hilarious and big-hearted sci-fi action adventure about an exhausted Chinese American woman (Michelle Yeoh) who can’t seem to finish her taxes.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/11235/everything-everywhere-all-at-once/
May 13-15: Forbidden Worlds Film Festival, Bristol Aquarium Auditorium
A series of screenings of some of the best fantasy, action and horror films in a disused IMAX theatre in the city centre. The theatre itself has been well maintained (don’t worry!) but hasn’t been used for regular screenings for over a decade.
www.forbiddenworldsfilmfestival.co.uk/
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Opens May 13: Lunchtime Talk: Department of Dreams
In this free talk, Department of Dreams Lead at Civic Square Birmingham Mathilde Petford shares how the team use play, imagination and story to tape into the minds of dreamers to explore regenerative futures and civic life.
www.watershed.co.uk/studio/events/2022/05/13/department-dreams
May 13-29: Mayfest, Various Locations
Bristol’s infamous Mayfest returns this year, showcasing the best in contemporary theatre through a multitude of various mediums, from fantastical walking tours all the way to world premieres of movies, in many locations across the city.
www.mayk.org.uk/mayfest-programme/#programme-anchor
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May 13: My! My! Abba The Concert
My My! pays homage to the original Swedish sensations through capturing Abba’s great sense of fun, recreating their incredible unique sound and combining this into a fun filled evening of sing-along, dance-along magic!
www.redgravetheatre.com/event/2022/05/my-my-abba-the-concert/1214/
May 14: Stomp Project 3rd Birthday, Loco Klub
Grassroots Bristol soundsystem/promoters The Stomp Project take to Loco Klub to celebrate turning 3 years old, the only way they know how. With beefy jungle so loud that you’re a fool if you don’t wear earplugs.
www.locoklub.com/whats-on/#events/e73425
May 15: Bristol Comedy Festival, Old Market
Split across the day at various locations up and down Old Market, Bristol Comedy fest invites an impressive amount of comedians to the city for hour long shows at good value.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-13&event_id=73789
May 16: The Land’s Heart is Greater than it’s Map, City Centre
A fantasy tour through the heart of Bristol, where you’ll not be guided through the usual tour sites and monuments, but led through a fantastical city-within-the-city, following the journey of a resident who aims to tell the city’s story, before it is gone forever. Part of Bristol Mayfest.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-19&event_id=73421
May 17: Jelani Blackman, Exchange
The cool-headed London rapper comes to Old Market’s Exchange this May, bringing the laid back, cool UK rap vibes to the intimate venue.
www.exchangebristol.com/whats-on/#events/e68623
May 18: Stone Cold Hustle, The Canteen
A new jam session at Stokes Croft’s The Canteen. Rising from the rubble of the famed Leftbank Thursday nights, the evening is hosted by many names from bands that had graced the venue when it was open. Bring your instrument and be ready for a laugh.
www.canteenbristol.co.uk/live-music/#events/e74128
May 19: Miracle on 42nd Street, St Anne’s House
A screening of the one hour documentary on the Manhattan Plaza apartment complex in New York City, known for being the first instance of government backed affordable housing for artist residencies.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-19&event_id=74293
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May 19: AVAWAVES, Bristol Beacon
Contemporary virtuoso duo AVAWAVES makes striking cinematic ambient music. The pair is formed by composer and violinist Anna Phoebe alongside pianist and producer Aisling Brouwer. Following the release of their debut full-length Waves, they released their second album Chrysalis last year, offering a further immersion into their otherworldly and intricate compositions. Live, the duo’s musicianship is mesmerising, their instrumental interactions making for a captivating and transcendent musical experience.
www.bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/avawaves/
May 20: Shall Not Fade Festival Launch Party, Thekla
Before September’s big festival party, Bristol Label Shall Not Fade are hosting a launch party of sorts at Thekla. With a similar (but shrunken down) lineup, the night will see some of the UK underground’s top producers and DJs descend onto the cargo ship for a bass-driven evening.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/club-nights/shall-not-fade-festival-launch-party/
May 21: ESO Presents: In The Dance, Motion
After rounding off their residency at Crofters, rising Bristol promoters ESO now take to the big one, Motion, for a party with a stacked lineup from names across the UK Bass spectrum.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-21&event_id=73250
May 22: Errorr, The Lanes
To celebrate the release of their debut EP Servant, Berlin-based noise rock group Errorr come to The Lanes for a thrashing, energy filled show.
https://thelanesbristol.com/live#events/e71574
May 23: As British as a Watermelon, Bristol Old Vic
A performance asking questions about “belonging, trauma and forgiveness,” as black as a watermelon follows Mandla Rae as she attempts to uncover memories of her past, lost to the frantic happenings of time.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/whats-on/as-british-as-a-watermelon
May 24: Terra Coda (World Premiere), The Mount Without
A celebration of the natural world and all the beauty that lies within it, Terra Coda is a short film accompanied by a brand new radical orchestra collective named the Terra Collective – a new large-scale orchestra rooted in making positive change in the city.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-24&event_id=72965
May 25: Folk Session, Hare on the Hill
Like folk music? Great. Play it? Even better. Whether you’re an instrumentalist or purely a fan, there’s an open folk jam happening at the welcoming Hare on the Hill.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-25&event_id=70955
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May 25: Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Marble Factory
Melbourne quintet Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever’s latest release ‘Sideways to New Italy’ is the summer we’ve all been wishing for – in musical form. Taking driving rhythms, interlocking guitar lines and dry wit, the Aussie five-piece have created an album of “masterful guitar-pop” (NME) in their soft punk, indie rock style.
www.bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/rolling-blackouts-coastal-fever/
May 26: Stuart Goldsmith (Stand-up), Greenbank Pub
Comedy nights at the Greenbank Pub continue with a performance from Stuart Goldsmith. Having had appearances on Russell Howard and Conan, he’s a seasoned comic with the knowledge of how to get to your funny bone.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-26&event_id=73079
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May 27: Sister Nancy, Trinity Centre
Legendary queen of Dancehall Sister Nancy heads to Trinity as part of our in-house music programme ‘Trinity Presents’. Sister Nancy is renowned for performing ‘inna soundsystem’ style in the streets of Kingston, Jamaica. Everyone knows her dancehall classics ‘Bam Bam’ and ‘One Two’ all performed in her original ‘ragga muffin style’. Sister Nancy will head up Trinity backed by ‘rub a dub’ artist Legal Shot.
www.trinitybristol.org.uk/whats-on/2022/sister-nancy-legal-shot-sound
May 27: Quelle Chris, Dareshack
The Detroit based rapper-producer graces Dareshack, bringing his distinct sound across the Atlantic for a hopeful, light at the end of the tunnel type of show.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-27&event_id=73989
May 28: Wax Record Making Workshop, Arnolfini
Ever wanted to cut and press your own wax record? Arnolfini are hosting workshops for exactly that this May. Simply come along, follow along with the instructor, and within 90 minutes you’ll have your very own, one of a kind record to take home.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-28&event_id=74407
May 29: Rallying Cry, College Green
Self-dubbed “somewhere between a TedTalk and a school assembly”, Rallying Cry invites four members of communities across Bristol to take to the podium on College Green and explain where they are at, and what we can do to help.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-29&event_id=73394
May 30: Ania Magliano (Stand-up), The Bristol Fringe
With multiple TV credits, Ania Magliano is fast becoming known for her unique conversational delivery paired with her dry wit. She’s headlining The Bristol Fringe this May.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2022-05-30&event_id=73356
May 31: Abstract Orchestra Play J Dilla, Trinity Centre
The Abstract Orchestra, known for fusing Hip-Hop beats with Jazz/orchestral instrumentation, come to Trinity to transform some of the legendary J Dilla’s best tracks. The energy will be high, so bring your dancing shoes.
www.trinitybristol.org.uk/whats-on/2022/abstract-orchestra-play-j-dilla
And coming soon…
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June 10: I See Myself? A Panel Discussion
Artist Shani Rhys James MBE and writer Jennifer Higgie will discuss self-portraiture and the role it has played for women artists over time in this inspiring panel discussion at the RWA. The conversation will be chaired by Me, Myself, I: Artists’ Self-Portraits exhibition curator Tessa Jackson OBE.
https://www.rwa.org.uk/products/women-self-portraitists-a-panel-discussion?
The panel discussion will cover self portraits and the role they play in women’s art | Photo: RWA
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June 10-18: Festival of Nature, Bristol & Bath
The UK’s largest celebration of the natural world is back! Join an exciting week packed full of in-person, digital and hybrid events across the region, all aimed at helping people take action for nature.
www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature/
The week long festival aims to get people inspired and excited about nature | Photo: Natural History Consortium
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June 22-27: Bristol Sounds, Lloyds Amphitheatre
Bristol’s much-loved open-air series of concerts returns to Canons Marsh Amphitheatre on Bristol’s harbourside from 22nd-27th June this year with an eclectic line-up of must-see artists including Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds, Paolo Nutini, Elbow, Jungle, First Aid Kit and The War on Drugs.
www.bit.ly/bristolsounds2022
The ever popular central Bristol day festival returns to Lloyds Amphitheatre this June | Photo: Bristol Sounds
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July 2: Black Roots, Trinity Centre
Formed in Bristol in 1979, Black Roots exploded onto the Roots Reggae scene in 1981 and continued to make large waves in the music scene till the early 90’s. Their newest release was in 2021 ‘Take it Easy’. They are once again performing delivering their conscious and uncompromising messages with harmonic vocals, backed by their unique deep melodic roots reggae rhythm.
www.trinitybristol.org.uk/whats-on/2022/black-roots
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August 4-7: Valley Fest, Chew Valley
Tickets are selling fast for the best-tasting music festival in the South West. Grab one now if you don’t want to miss out. Travis, Clean Bandit, Kosheen, Roni Size B2B Nia Archives ft Dynamite MC, The Craig Charles Funk and Soul Club are on the bill. Josh Eggleton is heading up the food programme. And Arcadia will bring the spectacle.
www.valleyfest.co.uk
Valley fest boasts a varied line-up in the gorgeous Chew Valley countryside | Photo: Ania Shrimpton
Main Photo: Bristol New Music
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